Older adults and their families are invited to register for a day of free activities at Spring Lake Regional Park and Spring Lake Village on Thursday, May 18, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.Hosted by the Aging Together Sonoma County community initiative, Age Out Loud, Age Outside celebrates both the vitality of local seniors during Older Americans Month in May and the 50th Anniversary of Sonoma County Regional Parks.

“In recognition of Older Americans Month, this event celebrates a growing segment of our community, the 25% of residents age 60 or older,” says Board of Supervisors Chair Shirlee Zane. “To increase awareness and support for the opportunities and challenges this population faces, the Board designated 2017 the Year of the Senior. With Aging Together, the Board’s goal is to promote Sonoma County as a healthy place to live, work and play for residents of all ages.”

The morning’s featured speaker is former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and local senior outdoorsman and birder Ted Eliot, interviewed at Spring Lake Village by Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Caryl Hart.

“Sonoma County Regional Parks connect older adults to nature and the community through our outstanding trails, facilities and programs,” says Hart. “It is an honor to be alongside Ted Eliot as he shares his story about the incredible benefits nature and the outdoors has brought to his life. He is an amazing human being, and we can all learn from his example.”

Registration includes activities, free parking at Spring Lake Regional Park Boat Ramp Parking Lot, with transportation between the Park and the talk at Spring Lake Village. No parking at Spring Lake Village allowed. For more information, call (707) 565-5804.

Aging Together Sonoma County strives to make our county as a healthy place to live, work and play by helping residents thrive throughout their lifespans. The initiative’s 2017 priorities are: 1) Support the 2016-2020, Age-Friendly Sonoma County effort led by older adult volunteers, 2) Promote the 2017 Year of the Senior community campaign with the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, and 3) Sponsor and host educational activities about issues of importance to older adults.

Sonoma County Regional Parks promotes healthy communities by connecting people to the outdoors through recreational and educational programs that enhance the quality of life and well-being of Sonoma County residents and visitors. The Regional Park system preserves natural and cultural resources in more than 50 parks, trails and beaches, from Petaluma to Gualala and the town of Sonoma to Bodega Bay.